Cold heading vs. screw machining: which process to choose?

Making a comparison between cold stamping and bar turning is key for you to have all the information you need to decide the most suitable process for the manufacture of metal components. Both methods have different characteristics, and depending on the type of part, production volume and technical requirements, one may be more profitable than the other.

Manufacture of parts by cold stamping vs. screw machining

When it comes to manufacturing metal parts, not all processes respond equally to volume, cost or precision requirements. In the following, we explore how cold heading performs against bar turning in different key aspects of industrial production.

These characteristics make it a very interesting alternative to processes such as bar turning, especially when we are looking for efficiency in large productions.

Productivity and cost per unit

Compared to bar turning, which requires longer machining times and greater intervention, cold stamping can reach speeds of up to 200 parts per minute. This speed, coupled with its high degree of automation, reduces unit costs in large production runs.

Material utilization

Unlike screw machining which generates swarf by removing material, cold stamping utilizes almost 100% of the wire used. This results in a significant reduction of waste and a more efficient use of steel from the beginning of the process.

Surface quality and precision

While bar turning usually requires subsequent finishing operations, parts obtained by cold stamping have a fine and homogeneous finish directly from the die.

As for tolerances, although somewhat less precise than those of bar turning, they are sufficient for the vast majority of industrial applications.

Final mechanical strength

Decarburizing disrupts the grain structure of steel, which can lower its long-term strength. On the contrary, cold stamping maintains this structural continuity, providing better resistance to impact and fatigue, without the need for additional heat treatments in many cases.

Performance in long series

For short runs or parts with very specific geometries, bar turning remains a great option. However, when it comes to long series, the initial investment in stamping dies is quickly amortized, reducing the cost per part significantly.

Choosing the right process not only has an impact on cost, but also on the quality and reliability of each part.
Fernando Arce, CEO

Comparison: cold stamping vs. screw machining

Cold stamping or bar turning: that’s the question

The choice between cold heading and screw machining will always depend on the type of part, the production run and the technical requirements of the project. For large volumes and compatible geometries, cold stamping is clearly more competitive due to its speed, lower waste and final mechanical strength. In turn, bar turning is still the right choice for short series or when extreme precision or complex shapes are required.